Page:Pearl of Asia (Child JT, 1892).pdf/274

and ask what will be the answer of her parents. They do so and if the proposition is favorable they are told: " We have counscled with our kinsmen and find them of the opinion that if the young man truly feels that he can confide in our dauglıter to take care of him in sickness and pay suitable attention to his body after death, that then lis confidence should be allowed to grow and flonrish." Then comes the question in regard to the ages of the respective parties, they ust not be born in years antagonistic with ono another; for instance the ycar of the rat and the year of the dog, the cow and the tiger, the tiger and the rabbit, or the dog and the monkey, each of them couplets and regarded as antagonizing; the husband born in one year and the wife in the otlier of the couplet would, in the course of nature, quarrel and fight. The parents respectfully request thhat some fortunc-toller be consulted in regard to the times of their respective births which will allow them to live happily together. This matter settled, the delegated friends are again sent to the parents of the young woman, who has not bcen consulted, and ask concerning the property or money that they pro- pose to give to assist the young couple to go to housc- keeping, who reply : " We can not devote much of our effects for that purpose, but how much will the parents of the young man give ?" To this tlhe friends reply: " It is left entirely to you to say what you think would be suitable." They reply: "If such be the case, we would suggest a hundred ticals to build a house, to be made of wood, and a thousand ticals for mutual trade; also, that they cotribute betel and cakes for the wedding, at least one hundred salvers or dishes, will they be willing to do this?" They reply: "Womust report first,